Office of the Commissioner, Land Court Hearings, Manners Street, Wellington.
William Spain was genuinely upset at the news that Governor Hobson passed away due to a second attack of apoplexy. He fondly recalled his visit with the Governor in Russell and the afternoon spent drinking wine looking out over the spectacular scenery of the bay as Hobson dispensed advice. Spain believed Governor Hobson was an honourable man, motivated to do the right thing for New Zealand and all who lived here. The news also informed him that he must now report to acting Governor Willoughby Shortland, whom he had yet to meet.
Rumours circulating around Wellington suggested that Shortland wasn't exactly popular and that he suffered an embarrassing circumstance the first time he faced a Māori haka, a synchronis
